History-Inspired Titles You Can't Miss

22 August 2025

History and video games—now that’s a match made in gamer heaven. If you've ever found yourself daydreaming about ancient battles, shadowy revolutions, or the rise and fall of legendary empires while clutching a controller, you're not alone. History-inspired video games aren’t just about swinging swords and donning armor—they’re a living, breathing time machine that lets you walk in the shoes of warriors, politicians, and rebels from centuries ago.

In this article, we’re unpacking some of the most captivating, educational, and downright thrilling history-inspired titles you absolutely can’t miss. Whether you’re a strategy buff, a role-playing fanatic, or just someone who loves a good historical backdrop, there’s something here to scratch that time-travel itch.

Why History Makes a Killer Backdrop in Games

Let’s be real—real-life stories are often more jaw-dropping than fiction. History is brimming with epic moments: bloody wars, courageous revolts, political intrigue, and mind-blowing innovations. When game developers wrap that up with solid gameplay and world-building, you get an unforgettable experience.

And here's the kicker: history-inspired games also offer more than just entertainment. They spark curiosity, push you to do your own research, and sometimes even teach you a thing or two (without the boring textbooks). Win-win, right?

Assassin’s Creed Franchise – A Time-Traveling Masterpiece

Best For: Open-world lovers, stealth fans, and history nerds with a flair for adventure.

Would this list even count if we didn’t talk about the Assassin’s Creed series? These games are like stepping into a historical documentary—except you’re the star, and you’ve got hidden blades.

From the bustling streets of Renaissance Italy in Assassin’s Creed II to the American Revolution in Assassin’s Creed III, and the Viking invasions of England in Valhalla, Ubisoft has basically built a virtual time machine. The attention to architectural detail, real-world maps, and historical figures is just insane.

And let’s not forget the Discovery Tour mode—that's a pure educational gem. You can roam around ancient civilizations without any combat and soak in history at your own pace.

Total War Series – Strategy Set in Stone

Best For: Armchair generals, strategy enthusiasts, and players who love large-scale battles.

If you’ve got a head for tactics and a hunger for historical warfare, the Total War series delivers like no other. This franchise fuses turn-based strategy with real-time combat and drops you into some of the most turbulent times in history.

Want to lead Roman legions to glory? Total War: Rome has you covered. Fancy overthrowing monarchies in Empire: Total War or conquering Japan in Shogun 2? There’s a title for every history buff out there. The depth is staggering, from politics and diplomacy to morale and terrain tactics.

And the best part? No two campaigns ever play the same.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance – Realism Over Fantasy

Best For: Hardcore role-players and fans of medieval history who want a challenge.

Unlike most medieval RPGs that toss in dragons and magic, Kingdom Come: Deliverance stays true to real-life Bohemia in the 15th century. No spells. No enchanted swords. Just gritty, grounded realism.

You play as Henry, a blacksmith's son thrown into the chaos of civil war. The game is packed with historical accuracy—from combat styles to social hierarchies and even period-accurate dialogue. It’s storytelling and immersion turned up to eleven.

Heads up though: it’s not an easy ride. The combat system is punishing, but it makes every sword fight feel meaningful.

Age of Empires Series – Timeless Strategy

Best For: Casual strategists, history teachers who game, and players who love building civilizations.

Ask any ‘90s kid what game got them into history, and you’ll likely hear Age of Empires. This legendary series turns historical progression into an addictive loop of gathering resources, building villages, and crushing your enemies.

Whether you're leading the British against the French or marching Mongols across Asia, every skirmish is drenched in history. From the Stone Age to the Industrial Revolution, AOE lets you write your own version of history—one building at a time.

Age of Empires IV took things up a notch with modern graphics and detailed narration, making it prime territory for both veterans and newcomers.

Red Dead Redemption 2 – The (Almost) End of the Wild West

Best For: Story-driven players and those fascinated by American history.

Okay, it’s not ancient Rome, but Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterclass in portraying the dying days of the American frontier. Set in 1899, the game lets you live out the final days of the outlaw era from the saddle of Arthur Morgan.

The game’s narrative, world design, and moral choices make you question what freedom really meant at the turn of a new century. It’s steeped in history—laws changing, towns modernizing, and railroads eating up the last untouched landscapes.

You can shoot, ride, and rob, sure—but you’ll also get lost in the nuances of a changing world.

Valiant Hearts: The Great War – Storytelling with Soul

Best For: Those who crave heart-wrenching stories over combat-heavy gameplay.

If World War I was a game, most would expect gritty realism, but Valiant Hearts flips that on its head. This puzzle-adventure game mixes cartoon-style visuals with a deeply emotional narrative that hits you right in the feels.

You follow four characters whose stories intertwine across the brutal trenches of WWI. It’s based on real letters, photos, and events from the time. And while it’s not a documentary, the historical context it provides is both educational and deeply moving.

Sometimes, the most powerful war games aren’t about killing—they’re about understanding.

Brothers in Arms Series – Tactical WWII Action

Best For: History buffs looking for tactical realism in World War II.

While Call of Duty may offer flashy action set pieces, Brothers in Arms takes a more grounded approach. These games focus on squad-based tactics and historical accuracy, especially the Normandy campaign.

You can’t just run and gun—you’ll need to use cover, suppress enemies, and flank like a true soldier. In fact, many of the game’s missions are reconstructed from actual battles, using military records and maps.

It’s less about being a one-man army and more about making smart, realistic decisions under fire.

Sid Meier’s Civilization Series – Build an Empire Through Time

Best For: Thinkers, planners, and those who dream of world domination (in pixels, of course).

"Civilization" is what you get when you mix a history textbook with a strategy playground. It’s one of the most iconic turn-based series ever made, and part of its magic lies in its historical depth.

Choose a leader—Cleopatra, Genghis Khan, Teddy Roosevelt—and guide your civilization from the dawn of time to the space age. You’ll be researching technologies, building wonders, waging wars, or making peace—all while trying to outsmart AI (or your friends).

Yeah, the timelines might be a bit jumbled, but the educational value and addictive gameplay are off the charts.

Hell Let Loose – Full-Blown WWII Immersion

Best For: Military sim fans and those who want realism over arcade-style shooting.

This one’s not for the faint of heart. Hell Let Loose is intense, brutal, and utterly immersive. Set in World War II, this multiplayer FPS drops you into massive 50v50 battles that require coordination, strategy, and a calm trigger finger.

What sets it apart? The game doesn’t hold your hand. There’s no map with enemy positions, limited HUD, and no running around solo. You need teamwork, and every bullet counts. The weapons, uniforms, and maps are meticulously recreated from real archival data.

It’s like being part of a History Channel documentary, but with bullets flying past your head.

Games That Deserve an Honorable Mention

There are just too many gems to list, but here are a few more titles that shine with historical inspiration:

- Europa Universalis IV – Deep grand strategy where you manage an entire nation from the Late Middle Ages to the early modern period.
- Crusader Kings III – Think Game of Thrones but with medieval European politics and dynasty building.
- This War of Mine – A devastating look at the civilian side of war, inspired by the Siege of Sarajevo.
- Battlefield 1 – A brutal, cinematic representation of World War I with explosive multiplayer gameplay.

What Makes a Great History-Inspired Game?

Here’s the thing—not every game with swords and castles is historically accurate. So what gives a title that “must-play” status in this genre? A mix of things:

- Authentic settings and lore: You should feel like you're stepping into another era.
- Engaging gameplay: Even the best history lesson can fall flat if the game isn’t fun.
- Respect for the subject matter: The great ones honor the past, not exploit it.
- Learning curve: You walk away knowing something you didn’t before—without realizing it.

Final Thoughts

History-inspired games are more than just a fun romp through the past. They’re reflective, immersive, and sometimes even educational. Whether you're building an empire from scratch or navigating the complexities of war, these titles manage to bring history to life in ways lectures never could.

So next time you're picking a new game to dive into, why not pick up one that’s based on real-world events? Who knows, you might just become a history buff without even trying.